History, Facts and
Information about Petronius MaximusThe content of this article
provides interesting history, facts and information about
the Emperor Petronius Maximus who ruled the empire of Ancient Rome. Read about the life of Petronius Maximus who can be described or remembered
as:

"The
Assassin Emperor..."

Short Biography
about the life of Petronius Maximus
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of
Petronius Maximus,
Emperor of the Western Roman Empire

Name commonly known as: Petronius Maximus

Latin Roman Name:
Flavius Anicius Petronius Maximus

Reigned as Roman Emperor /
Caesar: 17 March 455 - 31 May 455 in competition with Majorian
and Maximianus

Dynasty / Historical Period:
Western Empire (394 - 476) which led to the disintegration of Roman
authority and the Fall of the Roman Empire

Date of Birth: c. 396

Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Petronius Maximus was
Valentinian III and his successor was
Avitus

Interesting facts
about the life of Petronius Maximus
Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor
Petronius Maximus from the following facts and information about his life.
Petronius Maximus rose through the political ranks before
taking the throne. He became joint consul with the famous
general Aetius. He poisoned the mind of the emperor against
the great general and Valentinian III who, jealous of
his glory, stabbed Aetius with his own hand. Valentinian III
was then assassinated in Rome, by two of the barbarian
followers of Aetius called Optila and Thranstila. The
assassination was believed to have been fuelled by Petronius
Maximus leaving a path clear for him to seize the throne.
Petronius Maximus claimed the throne on 17 March 455. He
then went into competition with various rivals including the
future emperor Majorian, who had the backing of the Empress
Eudoxia. Petronius Maximus gained control of the palace and
forced the Empress Eudoxia to marry him. Then the terrible
news came - the Vandals were coming to Rome. There was panic
in the streets and Petronius Maximus was killed in the streets by
the mob on 31 May 455. On
9 July 455
Avitus was proclaimed emperor
with backing by the Visigoths.